During his administration, Governor Kaine did two call-in radio shows (Ask the Governor) each month hosted by WRVA Richmond and Washington Post radio (WTOP). The governor would take questions from constituents and the shows’ hosts. For Kaine’s final Ask the Governor show on WTOP on 22 December 2009, Lynda Tran, communications director, arranged for a surprise caller: President Barack Obama. Her email shows how much work went into making the 90-second call happen.

On 17 December 2009, Tran emailed Patrick Gaspard, director of the White House Office of Political Affairs, with a personal request for Kaine’s final Ask the Governor program: “What are the chances we could have the President call in for 90 seconds that day?” Tran included a detailed event briefing form including message points for the president. Two hours before the start of the show, Gaspard agreed that President Obama would call in. Gaspard had one condition: “I just need an ironclad assurance that we aren’t going to get crazy qs (sic) from mark plotkin (one of the show’s hosts). It has to be a quick dial in and out.” Tran agreed. “You have my guarantee – I will hurtle myself at him. Kidding. He won’t even be in the room until 1050am.” Kaine was moved by the gesture and according to Tran “teared (sic) up.” Click here to listen to the “Barry from D.C.” call.